2021 Update – Rico Gafford played in 3 games in 2020 for the Raiders. He was thrown 3 passes and didn’t catch one of them. He had a hamstring injury and went on the Covid List. When he was finally reactivated, he was an Arizona Cardinal. See you on the other side of the line Rico.  

Rico Gafford is a man of many talents. He’s a great football player. But aside from that, Rico has a passion for food and now owns his own small business restaurant.

Thoughts about seriously playing football started for Rico at East High School. When The Des Moines Register recognized Rico as an All-State Cornerback, and thoughts started swirling. When Rico transferred to Dowling Catholic High School for his senior year, he was again recognized as All-State.

His great speed was discovered early in life when he was competing in High School.  He set the state’s 100-meter dash record at 10.61 seconds. Additionally, he won the Class 4A 200-meter dash title. Football was a great choice of where to use his speed and energy.

Professional Career

The Oakland Raiders signed Rico to the practice squad on September 3, 2018. Originally meant to be solely a cornerback,  the Raiders chose to try him at wide receiver as well. Rico’s impressive speed and great hands earned him a promotion to the active roster soon after the season started. His first career reception TD was on December 8, 2019, against the Tennessee Titans. It was a memorable 49-yard touchdown reception thrown by  Derek Carr.